Cotillion in Jericho serves as part of its buffet two desserts -- gulab jamun on the left, and gajar halwa, a carrot pudding flavored with cardamon. (Mar. 20, 2013) (Credit: Newsday / Rebecca Cooney)

If you're curious about the Sikh religion and want to sample some authentic Indian food, make your way to Glen Cove this Sunday, June 30. Glen Cove's Sikh temple, Mata Sahib Kaur, will be holding its ninth annual Vasiakhi Mela, which honors the day the religion was formed in 1699. It's a Sikh tradition that each temple has a kitchen that prepares food for anyone free of charge; visitors can always...

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If you're curious about the Sikh religion and want to sample some authentic Indian food, make your way to Glen Cove this Sunday, June 30.

Glen Cove's Sikh temple, Mata Sahib Kaur, will be holding its ninth annual Vasiakhi Mela, which honors the day the religion was formed in 1699.

It's a Sikh tradition that each temple has a kitchen that prepares food for anyone free of charge; visitors can always count on a vegetarian meal consisting of flatbreads, beans, vegetables and dessert.

For the Vasiakhi Mela festivities, that spirit of generosity is greatly amplified: The temple kitchen's offerings are augmented by specialties from local Indian restaurants and markets including Cotillion in Jericho (South Indian delicacies), Apna Bazar in Hicksville (Indian sodas) and Patel Brothers in Hicksville (mango juice).

All the food is free.

In addition to food, Vasiakhi Mela will feature dancers, children’s games and henna tattoos.